Historic Achievement: Indian Women’s U-17 Football Team Secures AFC Asian Cup Spot for the First Time Since 2005!

Hyderabad: The Indian women’s U-17 football team has made history by qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time since 2005. This is significant, as it’s the first instance where India has qualified in all three age groups—U17, U20, and senior levels.

To secure their spot, the junior team faced a tough match against Uzbekistan. They couldn’t afford a draw since only the group winner would move forward. Uzbekistan took the lead in the 37th minute, thanks to Shaxrizoda Alixonova’s goal.

However, the Indian side responded brilliantly. Thandamoni Baskey scored an equalizer just after halftime, finding the net in the 55th minute. Ten minutes later, Anushka Kumari scored the winning goal with a stunning shot. With a final score of 2-1, India secured their place in the tournament.

India was in Group G alongside Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. They kicked off the campaign with a solid 3-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan. The win against Uzbekistan was crucial, marking their triumphant return to the continental event after 21 years.

The upcoming AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 will feature the top eight teams, including nations like China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Unlike in the past, where teams could qualify directly, this time India earned their spot through competitive matches, demonstrating their growth in women’s football.

Recent statistics show a growing interest in women’s football globally, with women’s sports seeing increased media coverage and support. According to a 2023 report from FIFA, women’s football participation has surged by over 400% since 2010.

This historic moment not only highlights the progress of Indian women in sports but also reflects a broader trend toward promoting women athletes around the world. The growing support for women’s football could inspire future generations and lead to even more remarkable achievements.

For more information on this topic, you can check out FIFA’s official report on women’s football growth here.

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